System for tracking reusable items

ABSTRACT

A system for dispensing, receiving, and tracking towels or other items includes a cabinet structure having first and second interior spaces. An access door provides access to the first interior space, and a return door permits items to be returned to the second interior space. An RFID system conducts read operations to determine how many items having RFID tags are disposed in the first and second interior spaces. The system determines what items have been removed from the first interior space, and associates removed items with specific users. The RFID system conducts read operations as items are returned to the second interior space and credits the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/814,631, filed Jun. 14, 2010, and entitled “TOWEL TRACKINGSYSTEM,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Athletic facilities at universities, colleges, and other athleticfacilities, as well as health clubs, gyms, spas, and other suchbusinesses or entities may provide clean towels for users of thefacilities. Similarly, hotels, resorts, and the like may also provideclean towels to users. The users are typically expected to return theused towels prior to leaving the facility, and the towels are launderedand made available for users. Also, hospitals or other such medicalfacilities may provide clean garments for various personnel that arereturned to the facility for laundering and redistribution to thepersonnel. Uniforms or other garments may be distributed to users in avariety of settings and returned for laundering. Still further, avariety of items from a storage area may be provided to users for aperiod of time. For example, in a machine shop, production facility, orconstruction site, a number of tools may be stored at a “tool crib” orother facility, and individual workers can remove the tools for use fora period of time. In such cases, a system for tracking the tools orother articles may be utilized. Similarly, libraries typically include asystem to check out books or other articles to users and generatenotices and/or charges if a book has not been returned within aspecified period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing and receiving systemfor dispensing clean towels or other items. The system includes acabinet structure having a first portion defining a first interior spaceconfigured to have clean towels or other items to be dispensed therein,and a second portion defining a second interior space configured to haveused towels or other items disposed therein upon return by a user. Thefirst and/or second interior spaces may be heated and/or cooled ifrequired for a particular application. The cabinet structure also has anenlarged first opening providing access to the first interior space andan enlarged second opening providing access to the second interiorspace.

A first main door is movably mounted to the cabinet structure formovement between an open position providing access to the first interiorspace through the enlarged first opening, and a closed position whereinthe first main door closes off the enlarged first opening. The firstmain door has a first access opening to provide access therethrough, andan access door is movably mounted to the first main door for movementbetween an open position permitting a user to reach through the firstaccess opening when the first main door is in the closed position, and aclosed position that prevents access to clean towels or other items inthe first interior space.

A second main door is movably mounted to the cabinet structure formovement between an open position providing access to the secondinterior space through the enlarged second opening, and a closedposition wherein the second main door closes off the enlarged secondopening. The second main door has a second access opening therethrough.A return door is movably mounted to the second main door for movementbetween an open position that permits towels to pass through the secondaccess opening into the second interior space, and a closed position. Afirst powered lock selectively prevents movement of the access door tothe open position. An optional second powered lock may be utilized toselectively retain the return door in the closed position.

The dispensing and receiving system further includes an RFID systemincluding at least a first RFID antenna configured to provideelectromagnetic waves in the first interior space, and at least a secondRFID antenna configured to provide electromagnetic waves in the secondinterior space. The RFID system is configured to perform read operationsduring which at least one of the first and second antennas generateelectromagnetic energy and receive return energy from RFID tags disposedin the first and second interior spaces, whereby a number of towelsdisposed in the first and second interior spaces can be determined.During a read operation, electromagnetic energy from the first RFIDantenna does not enter the second interior space, and electromagneticenergy from the second RFID antenna does not enter the first interiorspace, such that the RFID system can obtain an accurate read of theitems in the first interior space and in the second interior space. Thefirst and second interior spaces may be isolated from one another by asheet of electrically conductive material or other suitable barrier, orthe first and second interior spaces may comprise two separatefree-standing metal cabinets that can be repositioned relative to oneanother. Alternately, the cabinet structure may comprise a polymer orfiber-reinforced composite material that preferably includes aconductive layer or coating.

The dispensing and receiving system also includes a user verificationdevice that collects data that can be used to identify a user. The userverification device may comprise an optical card reader that reads abarcode on a membership card, or it may comprise a card reader thatreads an electromagnetic strip on a membership card, or other suitableverification device such as a keypad or the like that provides for inputof a password. The dispensing and receiving system also includes acontrol system that is operably interconnected to the first and secondpowered locks, and to the first and second RFID antennas. The controlsystem is configured to actuate the RFID system and generate a firstdata set corresponding to a number of towels in the first interiorspace. This read operation is performed upon opening and/or closing ofthe first main door, which typically occurs when the first interiorspace is restocked with clean towels. In this way, the control system isable to generate an inventory of the towels in the first interior space.As discussed in more detail below, the control system generatesadditional read operations of the first interior space upon openingand/or closing of the access door when a user removes towels andassociates the towels removed from the first interior space with theparticular user identified by the user verification device. The controlsystem is also configured to selectively control the first powered lockto unlock the access door based, at least in part, on data from the useridentification device. In this way, the control system preventsunauthorized users from opening the access door to take towels from thefirst interior space. The control system may also be configured to causethe RFID system to perform a read operation of the towels in the secondinterior space upon opening and/or closing of the second main door asoccurs when the second main door is opened to remove used towels. Thecontrol system causes the RFID system to conduct a read operation of thesecond interior space upon opening and closing of the return door todetermine if towels previously removed from the first interior spacehave been returned to the second interior space. The control system maybe configured to generate a list of towels that have been taken out byeach individual user, and towels may be removed from the list if thecontrol system determines, via the RFID system, that the towels havebeen returned to the second interior space. The control system may beconfigured to prevent opening of the access door and/or the return doorduring a read operation to ensure that an accurate read operation isperformed. The system may include a mobile rack or shelf unit that canbe rolled into and out of the first interior space through the enlargedfirst opening when the first main door is in an open position such thatthe first interior space can be readily restocked with clean towels. Thesystem may also include a mobile bin or the like that can be disposed inthe second interior space to receive used towels.

These and other features, objects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent upon reading the following descriptionthereof together with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a system fordispensing and receiving items according to one aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of the system of FIG.1, wherein the first and second main doors are shown in an openposition;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the system of FIG. 1, with thefirst and second main access doors in open positions;

FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a portion of thesecond main door and the return door and chute;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for dispensing and receivingitems according to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a towel and RFID tag accordingto one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to FIG. 1, an article dispensing and tracking system 1includes a wall structure such as cabinet structure 2 having a firstcabinet or portion 3 and a second cabinet or portion 4. In theillustrated example, the cabinet structure 2 comprises two discreetcabinet structures that are not structurally interconnected. However,the cabinet structure 2 could comprise a single cabinet having first andsecond portions, or it could comprise partition walls, architecturalwalls, or other suitable structure. According to one aspect of thepresent invention, first cabinet 3 is configured to dispense articles,such as clean towels, and cabinet 4 is configured to receive used towelsthat are returned.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the first cabinet 3 defines a firstinterior space 10, and the second cabinet 4 defines a second interiorspace 11. As discussed in more detail below, clean towels 12 may bepositioned on a mobile rack or shelf unit 13 that can be moved into andout of first interior space 10 through an enlarged first opening 15 offirst cabinet 3. Similarly, a mobile bin 16 can be moved into and out ofsecond interior space 11 through an enlarged second opening 17 in secondcabinet 4 to thereby remove used towels 18 from second cabinet 4. Afirst main door 20 is movably mounted to the first cabinet 3 formovement between an open position (FIG. 2) to provide access to thefirst interior space 10 through the enlarged first opening 15, and aclosed position (FIG. 1) wherein the first main door 20 closes off theenlarged first opening 15. The first main door 20 has a first accessopening 21 that provides access to the clean towels 12 or other articlesdisposed in the first interior space 10 when the first main door 20 isin the closed position (FIG. 1). An access door 22 is movably mounted tothe first main door 20 for movement between an open position (FIG. 1)permitting a user to reach through the first access opening 21 when thefirst main door 20 is in the closed position, and a closed position(22A) that prevents access to the clean towels 12 or other items in thefirst interior space 10. A second main door 30 is movably mounted to thesecond cabinet 4 of the cabinet structure 2 for movement between an openposition (FIG. 2) providing access to the second interior space 11through the enlarged second opening 17, and a closed position (FIG. 1)wherein the second main door 30 closes off the enlarged second opening17. The second main door 30 has a second access opening 31 (see alsoFIG. 4) through the second main door 30. A return door 32 is movablymounted to the second main door 30 by a hinge 33 (FIG. 4) or othersuitable arrangement for movement between an open position (32A in FIG.4) that permits used towels to pass through the second access opening 31into the second interior space 11, and a closed position (FIG. 1)preventing access to the second interior space 11. A first powered lock23 selectively prevents movement of the access door 22 to the openposition (FIG. 1). An optional second powered lock 34 (FIG. 4) may beutilized to selectively retain the return door 32 in the closedposition.

The dispensing and receiving system 1 also includes an RFID system 40including one or more RFID antennas 41, 42 that are configured toprovide electromagnetic waves in the first interior space 10, and one ormore RFID antennas 43, 44 that are configured to provide electromagneticwaves in the second interior space 11. According to another aspect ofthe present invention, three RFID antennas may be disposed in one of theinterior spaces 10 and 11, and one RFID antenna may be disposed in theother of the interior spaces 10 and 11. It will be understood that thespecific configuration of the RFID antennas may be selected according tothe requirements of a particular application. The RFID system 40 isconfigured to perform read operations during which at least one of theRFID antennas 41-44 generate electromagnetic energy and receive returnenergy from RFID tags 45 (see also FIG. 6) disposed in the clean towels12 or used towels 18 disposed in the first and/or second interior spaces10 and 11, respectively. As discussed in more detail below, a number ofclean towels 12 disposed in first interior space 10 and/or a number ofused towels 18 disposed in second interior space 11 can be determinedbased on the data received from the RFID read operation.

A user verification device, such as a card reader 55, collects data thatcan be used to identify a user. In the illustrated example, the userverification device comprises a card reader 55 that reads membershipcards 56 having bar codes disposed thereon. However, other userverification devices could also be utilized. In general, card reader 55is selected to read membership cards 56 that are also utilized by ahealth club or other facility to identify members at the time they enterthe facility. If the system 1 is utilized to track uniforms at aworkplace, the card reader 55 may be configured to identify employees orother authorized users. The article dispensing and receiving system 1also includes a control system 50 that may include a controller 52 thatis mounted to first main door 20 and other components 53 mounted to amovable support or tray 54 disposed in first cabinet 3. Controller 52may comprise a PC, a PLC, or other suitable controller. Controller 52may be mounted to tray 54 or other suitable location other than door 20.Some of the control system components may also be mounted in secondcabinet 4. For example, a first controller may be mounted in cabinet 3,and a second controller may be mounted in cabinet 4. Also, as discussedin more detail below in connection with FIG. 5, control system 50 mayinclude additional components, such as a server 60 and optional hostcomputer system 61 that are operably interconnected by a network 62 thatmay comprise a wireless network including a plurality of antennas 64-66and associated hardware and software. In the illustrated example,cabinets 3 and 4 are interconnected by one or more power and/or datalines 57. In the illustrated example, a single electrical power line 67with a conventional 110 volt plug 68 supplies power to a powersupply/transformer 69. One or more of the lines 57 may comprise a powerline that supplies power from cabinet 3 to cabinet 4. However, cabinets3 and 4 can also be separately powered. Cabinets 3 and 4 may be remotelypositioned relative to one another, with the cabinets 3 and 4 beingoperably interconnected by a wireless network, a data communicationline, or other suitable arrangement. The control system 50 is operablyinterconnected with the first powered lock 23 to selectively actuate thelock 23 to control access through access door 22. If system 1 includes asecond powered lock 34, control system 50 may be operably connected tolock 34 to control access through return door 32. Control system 50 isalso operably connected to the RFID antennas 41-44, and the controlsystem 50 is configured to actuate the RFID system 40 to generate afirst data set corresponding to a number of clean towels 12 in the firstinterior space 10 upon opening and/or closing of the first main door 20.The first data set may comprise an initial inventory corresponding tothe number of clean towels 12 disposed in the first interior space 10 offirst cabinet 3 after mobile rack 13 and clean towels 12 are moved intothe first interior space 10, but prior to removal of any clean towels 12by a user. The control system 50 selectively controls the first poweredlock 23 to unlock the access door 22 based, at least in part, on datafrom the user identification device or card reader 55. Control system 50is configured to actuate the RFID system 40 and generate a second dataset corresponding to a number of towels 12 in first interior space 10,such that a number of towels 12 removed from first interior space 10 canbe determined by taking a difference between the first and second datasets.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated example, firstcabinet 3 has generally upright opposite sides 72 and 73, and uprightfront and rear sides 74 and 75, respectively. Similarly, cabinet 4includes opposite sides 76 and 77 and upright front and rear sides 78and 79, respectively. With further reference to FIG. 3, cabinets 3 and 4may be spaced-apart to form a gap 80 between the cabinets 3 and 4 withthe cabinets 3 and 4 being positioned adjacent one another on a floorsurface 5. In a preferred embodiment, each cabinet 3, 4 has a totalheight of about 80 inches, a side-to-side width of about 40 inches, anda front-to-back depth of about 34-35 inches. However, it will beunderstood that the dimensions of the cabinet structure 2 may beconfigured as required for dispensing articles other than towels, and toaccommodate the needs of different facilities utilizing the dispensingand tracking system 1. For example, the dispensing and tracking system 1may be utilized to track uniforms, sheets, blankets, or almost any otheritem. In general, RFID tags are attached to the items being tracked asrequired for a particular application. Cabinets 3 and 4 may,alternately, comprise a single structural unit defining the first andsecond interior spaces 10 and 11. Cabinets 3 and 4 are preferably madeof a relatively thin sheet metal material that prevents escape ofsignals from RFID antennas 41-44. First interior space 10 is isolated bycabinet structure 2 from second interior space 11. This prevents RFIDantennas 41 and 42 from receiving signals from RFID tags on used towels18 disposed in second interior space 11. Similarly, RFID antennas 43 and44 of second cabinet 4 do not receive signals from RFID tags of cleantowels 12 disposed within interior space 10.

In a preferred embodiment, elongated seals 81 extend around enlargedfirst and second openings 15 and 17 of first and second cabinets 3 and4, respectively. Seals 81 comprise commercially available sealsconfigured to prevent escape of electromagnetic signals from RFIDantennas and/or RFID tags when the first and second main access doors 22and 30 are in their respective closed position relative to the otherportions of the cabinet structures 3 and 4, respectively. RFID seals mayalso be utilized at first access opening 21 of first cabinet 3 andsecond access opening 31 of second cabinet 4. In a preferred embodiment,access door 22 includes a light-transmitting sheet, such as a glasssheet 82. Glass sheet 82 may comprise commercially available glasshaving a conductive layer or other properties that cause it to preventtransmission of RFID signals therethrough.

The main doors 20 and 30 are preferably pivotally mounted to first andsecond cabinet structures 3 and 4, respectively, by one or more hinges83 or other suitable arrangement. One or more locks 84 selectively lockmain doors 20 and 30 in their respective closed positions to preventunauthorized access to the first and second interior spaces 10 and 11,respectively. Locks 84 may comprise mechanical locks which require useof a key by authorized personnel. Locks 84 could comprise powered locksthat are operably connected to the control system 50, and control system50 may be configured to prevent locks 84 from being actuated if the RFIDsystem 40 is conducting a read operation. Also, if locks 84 comprisepowered locks, control system 50 may be configured to preventactuation/release of locks 84 unless appropriate authorization isdetected by control system 50 from card reader 55 or other authorizationinput device.

Referring again to FIG. 3, cabinet 3 preferably includes a relativelythin (i.e., low height) lower member 88 disposed immediately adjacentfloor surface 5 and extending across enlarged first opening 15.Similarly, cabinet 4 preferably includes a relatively thin horizontalmember 89 extending across a lower portion of enlarged second opening17. Mobile rack 13 and mobile bin 16 include a plurality of rollers orcasters 90, such that the mobile rack 13 and mobile bin 16 into and outof interior spaces 10 and 11, respectively. In the illustrated example,mobile rack 13 includes a plurality of horizontal support surfaces, suchas shelves 91, that support stacks of clean towels 12. In use, controlsystem 50 may be configured to generate a signal when the number ofclean towels 12 in first interior space 10 falls below a predefinednumber of towels 12, and/or if the RFID system 40 indicates that notowels 12 are presently disposed in first interior space 10. Uponreceiving a “low towel” or “empty” signal, a user can open first maindoor 20, roll a first mobile rack 13 out of first interior space 10, androll a second mobile rack 13 (not shown) having a large number of cleantowels 12 thereon into first interior space 10. If a relatively smallnumber of clean towels are disposed on the first mobile rack 13 at thetime it is removed from first interior spaced 10, a user can transferthe clean towels 12 to the second mobile rack 13 if there is sufficientspace on the second mobile rack 13. This way, one or more additionalmobile racks 13 can be preloaded with clean towels 12 at a centrallaundry processing facility (not shown) to permit rapid restocking offirst cabinet 3 with clean towels 12.

Mobile bin 16 can be rolled into and out of second interior space 11 andadditional mobile bins 16 (not shown) may be provided. Controller 50 maybe configured to generate a signal to a user if a number of used towels18 detected by RFID system 40 is at or exceeds a predefined number. Auser can then open second access door 30, roll a mobile bin 16 and usedtowels 18 out of second interior space 11, and immediately roll an emptymobile bin 16 into interior space 11. Door 30 can then be closed andlocked.

Referring again to FIG. 2, first cabinet 3 may include a sensor 92 thatis operably connected to the control system 50 and second cabinet 4 mayinclude a sensor 93 that is also operably connected to the controlsystem 50. Sensors 92 and 93 provide a signal to the control system 50indicating that main doors 20 and 30 are open or closed. As discussed inmore detail below, controller 50 may be configured to utilizeinformation from sensors 92 and 93 to conduct read operations by RFIDsystem 40 to determine the number of towels 12 and 18 disposed ininterior spaces 10 and 11, respectively.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sensor 95 is mounted to first maindoor 20 of first cabinet 3. Sensor 95 is operably connected to controlsystem 50, and generates a signal enabling controller 50 to determine ifaccess door 22 is in the open or closed position. With reference to FIG.4, a sensor 96 is operably connected to control system 50 by a line 97.Sensor 96 generates a signal to the control system 50 enabling thecontrol system 50 to determine if return door 32 is in an open or closedposition. In the illustrate example, sensor 96 comprises a read switchthat generates a signal if a side edge 98 of return door 32 moves pastsensor 96 upon closing return door 32.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a user input device or panel 100 may bemounted to main door 20 of first cabinet 3. User input device 100includes a touch screen display 101 that is operably interconnected withthe control system 50 to permit input of information by a user. Thetouch screen 101 may also be configured to display prompts or otherinformation to a user. With reference to FIG. 2, PLC 52 may be mountedimmediately adjacent card reader 55, and the PLC 52 may be operablyinterconnected with card reader 55 by communication lines 102. PLC 52may be operably interconnected with other components 53 of controlsystem 50 by a plurality of communication and/or power lines 103.Referring again to FIG. 1, in use, a user swipes card 56 through cardreader 55, and server 60 of control system 50 compares data from thecard 56 with a database of authorized users. If the card 56 isrecognized, a “open door” or other message or indicator appears on touchscreen 101, and the powered lock is actuated by control system 50 toshift the powered lock 23 to an open position. Control system 50 may beconfigured to keep the powered lock 23 in an open position for apredefined period of time (e.g. 3 seconds or 5 seconds). Control system50 may also be configured to provide other indicators or signals to auser that lock 23 is in an unlocked position. For example, controlsystem 50 could be operably connected to a speaker or other audio devicethat generates a buzzing sound or other audio signal when lock 23 is inthe retracted/unlocked position. Control system 50 could also beoperably connected to colored lights or other suitable visual indicatorthat signals when lock 23 is unlocked.

Referring again to FIG. 3, various electrical components and the like 53of the power supply and control system 50 may be mounted to a movablemounting structure or tray 54. The tray structure 54 has an overallshape that is somewhat similar to a box, with a base side wall 125 andperipheral side walls 126-129 that extend transversely from side wall125 to define a peripheral edge 130 of tray 54. The tray 54 therebydefines a shallow cavity or space 131 in which various electrical andpower components 53 are mounted. Tray 54 is movably mounted to an upperstructural portion 132 of cabinet 3 by hinges or the like, such thattray 54 can pivot to an open position (FIG. 3) for servicing ofcomponents 53 and the like mounted in tray 54. Tray 54 may also bepivoted to a closed position when the components are not being serviced.When tray 54 is in the closed position, side wall 125 is in asubstantially horizontal position adjacent upper structure 132 ofcabinet 3, such that the cavity or space 131 of tray 54 is substantiallyclosed off relative to first interior space 10 of cabinet 3. It will beunderstood that the components 53 may comprise components of the RFIDsystem 40, control system 50, and/or components of the power supplysystem 69. In the illustrated example, a wireless antenna 65 andcommunication module 135 may be mounted to an upper structure 136 ofcabinet 4. Alternately, wireless antenna 65 and communication module 135may be mounted in cabinet 3. As discussed above, one or morecommunications and/or power lines 57 may be utilized to interconnectcabinets 3 and 4. As discussed in more detail below, antenna 65 may beutilized to interconnect cabinets 3 and 4 to other computers and/orservers to thereby operably interconnect control system 50 to one ormore host computers or systems.

Referring again to FIG. 2, an interface 140 is preferably disposed on arear side of first cabinet 3. Interface 140 includes various ports thatenable a lap top computer or the like to be operably interconnected withcontrol system 50. The interface 140 preferably includes an RS232 port,a USB port, and an Ethernet port. Interface 140 also preferably includesa conventional 110 volt receptacle whereby a lap top or the like can bereadily interconnected during servicing or the like of dispensing andtracking system 1. In general, interface 140 may be utilized to providesoftware updates to control system 50, perform diagnostic tasks, and thelike. Alternately, software updates, diagnostic tasks, and the like maybe performed by server 60, host computer 61, or other components thatare operably interconnected by wireless network 62 (FIG. 5).

Referring again to FIG. 2, a chute 105 extends downwardly and inwardlyfrom an inner side 106 of second main door 30 immediately adjacentsecond access opening 31 and return door 32. With further reference toFIG. 4, chute 105 has a generally U-shaped cross section including alower web or wall 107 and upwardly extending side webs or walls 108 and109. Side webs or walls 108 and 109 are preferably spaced-apart adimension that is greater than a width of return door 32, such that thechute 105 does not interfere with return door 32 as it pivots inwardlyto the position designated 32A (FIG. 4). The chute 105 ensures that usedtowels 18 inserted through second access opening 31 slide inwardly, anddrop into mobile bin 16. A frame 110 extending around and definingsecond access opening 31 preferably has a height and width that issomewhat less than the dimensions of the return door 32, such thatperipheral edge portions 111-113 of return door 32 overlap frame 110when return door 32 is in a closed position. This prevents return door32 from pivoting outwardly away from outer side face 36 (FIG. 1) ofsecond main door 30.

Referring again to FIG. 4, an optional second powered lock 34 includes amovable extension 35 that is operably connected to a solenoid (notshown) or other powered actuator of second powered lock 34. When theextension 35 of second powered lock 34 is in the extended position shownin FIG. 5, return door 34 is locked in a closed position, such that itcannot move either inwardly or outwardly. Second powered lock 34 mayinclude a spring (not shown) or other biasing device that biasesextension 35 into the extended potion, and the solenoid or other poweredactuator of second powered lock 34 may be configured to retractextension 35 when power is supplied to second powered lock 34 bypower/data lines 114. The second powered lock 34 is operably connectedto control system 50 and power supply 69 by power and communicationlines 114. A magnetic latch 115 releasably retains return door 32 in theclosed position. In use, if the control system 50 is in an on position,control system 50 will generate a signal causing extension 35 of secondpowered lock 34 to be in a retracted position unless predefinedoperating conditions are present. Specifically, in use, a user may causereturn door 32 to pivot inward as used towels 18 are returned. As thereturn door 32 moves back to the closed position, movement of returndoor 32 relative to switch 96 causes switch 96 to generate a signal tocontrol system 50. Once the return door 32 moves back to the closedposition, controller 50 causes the RFID system 40 to conduct a readoperation of second interior space 11. During the read operation,controller 50 causes extension 35 to remain in the extended position,thereby preventing return door 32 from being opened during a readoperation. After completion of the read operation, controller 50 causesextension 35 of second powered lock 34 to retract, thereby permittingreturn of additional used towels 18 through second access opening 31.

With further reference to FIG. 6, the towels 12 and 18 may comprise aconventional towel 116, and an RFID tag 45 may be secured to towel 116by use of a small patch 117 or the like that is sewn or otherwisesecured to towel 116. RFID tag 45 is preferably a commercially availableRFID tag that is configured to withstand laundering and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the article dispensing and tracking system 1may include cabinet structure 2, a server 60, and a host computer 61that are operably interconnected by a wireless network 62 or othersuitable network. Host computer 61 may comprise a preexisting computerpreviously utilized by a health club or other such facility to storeinformation concerning members, generate billing information, etc. Itwill be apparent that access door 22 could be mounted to other portionsof the cabinet structure 2 other than first main door 20. Similarly,return door 32 may be mounted to other portions of cabinet structure 2other than second main door 30. As discussed above, the powered locksand open/closed sensors for first and second main doors 20, 30, and foraccess door 22 and return door 32 are operably connected to controlsystem 50, which may include a controller 52. Controller 52 may comprisea PLC, PC, or other suitable unit. Communications modules 135 may alsobe operably interconnected with control system 50. The communicationmodules 135 may include a Local Area Network (LAN) 137, a wirelessbridge 138, and an RF module 139. A server 60 may be positioned remotefrom cabinet structure 2. Server 60 may comprise a PC 145 includingsoftware utilized by a health club or the like to verify data receivedfrom a card reader 146 or the like positioned at a front desk of thefacility. In general, server 60 may include a printer 147 utilized forprinting reports concerning the number of unreturned towels associatedwith a particular user, and other such uses. An uninterruptable powersupply (UPS) 148 may also be utilized in connection with server 60. Aconventional data entry and access unit 149 may also be utilized. Theunit or components 149 may comprise a computer screen, keyboard,computer mouse and/or other such components. Server 60 may also includea Network Interface Card (NIC) module 152 and a LAN communicationsmodule 153. An optional computer host system 61 may also be operablyinterconnected with the other components by a wireless network 62 or thelike.

In use, cabinet 3 is initially stocked with a plurality of clean towels12. This is accomplished by unlocking locks 84, opening first main door20, and rolling mobile rack 13 with clean towels 12 into first interiorspace 10. First main door 20 is then returned to a closed position.Controller 50 is configured to actuate RFID system 40 to perform a readoperation when sensor 92 generates a signal indicating the first maindoor 20 has been opened and closed. Control system 50 thereby generatesan initial inventory list of all clean towels 12 disposed in firstinterior space 10. In general, RFID tags 45 (FIG. 6), each have a uniquecode, such that control system 50 can generate an inventory concerningnot only the total number of clean towels 12 disposed in first interiorspace 10 but can also generate an inventory of the specific clean towelsthat are initially disposed in first interior space 10. In theillustrated example, a clean towel inventory of clean towels disposed incabinet 3 is stored in a controller/memory unit of RFID system 40.

Also, during initial set up of dispensing and tracking system 1, anempty mobile bin 16 is positioned in cabinet 4. This is accomplished byunlocking locks 84, opening second main access door 30, and rollingmobile bin 16 into second interior space 11. Control system 50 isconfigured to actuate RFID system 40 to conduct a read operation whensensor 93 generates a signal indicating that second main door 30 hasbeen opened and closed. Control system 50 then generates an inventory ofany used towels 18 that may be disposed in second interior space 11. Inthe illustrated example, a used or returned towel inventory of towels 18disposed in cabinet 4 is stored in a controller/memory unit of RFIDsystem 40.

If a user desires to remove clean towels 12 from cabinet 3, the userprovides control system 50 with user verification data. In theillustrated example, a user swipes a membership card 56 through cardreader 55, and server 60 of control system 50 compares the ID input datato a database of authorized users stored on server 60. If the dataentered satisfies predefined criteria for authorized users, controlsystem 50 causes first powered lock 23 to unlock for a predefined periodof time, and control system 50 may also generate a signal causing touchscreen 101 or other device to provide the user with a signal that thepowered lock 23 is unlocked. For example, touch screen 101 may provide a“open door and remove towels” signal, or a buzzer, light, or the likemay be used to indicate to the user that the access door 22 may beopened. A user then opens door 22 and removes the desired number ofclean towels 12 from first interior space 10 through first enlargedopening 15, and closes access door 22. Control system 50 is configuredto cause RFID system 40 to conduct a read operation of first interiorspace 10 if control system 50 determines that access door 22 has beenopened and closed. Control system 50 then updates the clean towelinventory list for first interior space 10 to account for towels thathave been removed by a user, and server 60 associated with controlsystem 50 stores data concerning the towels removed and assigns theremoved towels to a user identified utilizing the user data enteredusing membership card 56 just prior to actuation of powered lock 23. Inthe illustrated example, PLC 52 of control system 50 causes RFID system40 to conduct a read operation upon opening and closing of door 22. RFIDsystem 40 stores the results of this read operation as the “new” cleantowel inventory, and also takes the difference between the prior cleantowel inventory and the “new” clean towel inventory to generate a listof towels that have been removed from cabinet 3. The RFID system 40transmits the list of towels that were removed from cabinet 3 to PLC 52,and PLC 52 transfers the list to server 60 which assigns or associatesthe list of remove towels with a specific user based on the user IDinformation obtained from card reader 55 just prior to unlocking poweredlock 23. The list of removed towels and corresponding user IDinformation may be transmitted from server 60 to system 61, or it may bestored in memory of server 60.

To return used towels 18, a user pushes on return door 32, placing theused towels 18 in chute 105 (see also FIG. 4). The used towels 18 thenslide down chute 105 and drop into mobile bin 16. When return door 32returns to the closed position, sensor 96 (FIG. 4) generates a signal,and control system 50 then causes RFID system 40 to conduct a readoperation of second interior space 11. If system 1 includes a secondpowered lock 34, control system 50 may be configured to cause secondpowered lock 34 to remain in the locked position during the readoperation of second interior space 11. Control system 40 compares datafrom a read operation that has just been conducted to data from a priorread operation (e.g. a returned towel inventory) and determines whichused towels 18 have just been returned to return cabinet 4. Server 60may then update the data stored by system 61 concerning towels that hadbeen checked out/associated with a specific user previously identifiedfrom membership card 56, and also replaces the prior returned towelinventory with data from the most recent read operation. In theillustrated example, the returned to inventory list is stored in acontroller/memory unit of RFID system 40.

Server 60 of control system 50 may be configured to automaticallygenerate a list of users who have unreturned towels for more than aspecified period of time. For example, server 60 of control system 50may be configured to generate a list of users who have had towels for anunacceptably long period of time. For example, if towels taken out by aspecific user have not been returned by the end of the day in which thetowels were removed, server 60 may generate a list of unreturned towelsassociated with, or assigned to, specific users. Alternately, server 60of control system 50 may be configured to generate such a list of towelsbased on a longer period of time to provide for situations in which auser returns the towels at a later time. Also, server 60 of controlsystem 50 may be configured to generate a list only if other criteriaare also present, for example, server 60 of control system 50 may beconfigured to generate a list of users who have had towels or otheritems removed for an unacceptably long period of time only if more thana predefined number of towels or other items have been unreturned for apredefined period of time. For example, server 60 of control system 50may be configured to generate a list of users who have had five or moretowels or other items for more than 30 days. Still further, server 60 ofcontrol system 50 may be configured to generate a signal to the computer61 at a front desk of a health club or the like, such that employees ofthe facility receive a signal on computer screen 149 or the like if auser having unreturned towels or other items utilized card reader 146(FIG. 5) at the time a member entered the facility. Also, server 60 ofcontrol system 50 may be configured to interface with accounting andbilling software systems of the facility, such that members areautomatically billed if the individual members have had a specifiednumber of unreturned towels or other items for a specified period oftime.

According to another aspect of the present invention, server 60 ofcontrol system 50 may be operably interconnected to a central datastorage/processing center utilizing a global computer network. Aplurality of health clubs or other such facilities having one or moredispensing and receiving systems 1 may be operably connected to thecentral data storage/processing center to thereby process informationconcerning members of a plurality of facilities. The datastorage/processing center utilizes data from each system 1 to generateinvoicing or other reports concerning individual members or users of thesystems 1 in the network.

It will be understood that the system 1 may be utilized to track almostany type of item, and the present invention is not therefore limited totracking towels. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited toRFID systems, and other types of data storage devices, readers, andrelated components may be utilized. Still further, the present systemcould utilize architectural walls or other structures to form theinterior spaces 10 and 11.

It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications to the preferred embodiment of the invention as describedherein can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dispensing and receiving system fordispensing items to be used for receiving used items, the systemcomprising: a wall structure having a first portion defining a firstinterior space configured to have items to be used disposed therein, anda second portion defining a second interior space configured to haveused items disposed therein, the wall structure having an enlarged firstopening providing access to the first interior space, and an enlargedsecond opening providing access to the second interior space; the wallstructure including a first main door that is movable between an openposition providing access to the first interior space through theenlarged first opening, and a closed position wherein the first maindoor closes off the enlarged first opening, the first portion of thewall structure having a first access opening that provides access to thefirst interior space to thereby permit a user to reach through the firstaccess opening when the first main door is in the closed position, and aclosed position that prevents access to items to be used in the firstinterior space; an access door movably mounted to the first portion ofthe wall structure for movement between an open position permitting auser to reach through the first access opening when the first main dooris in the closed position, and a closed position that prevents access toitems to be used in the first interior space; the wall structureincluding a second main door movable between an open position providingaccess to the second interior space through the enlarged second opening,and a closed position wherein the second main door closes off theenlarged second opening, the second portion of the wall structure havinga second access opening to the second interior space; a return doormovably mounted to the second portion of the wall structure for movementbetween an open position that permits one or more used items to passthrough the second access opening into the second interior space, and aclosed position preventing access to the second interior space; apowered lock selectively preventing movement of the access door to theopen positions; a plurality of items to be dispensed and returned, theitems including a data storage device; a communication system configuredto receive data from the data storage devices when the items aredisposed in the first interior space and when the items are disposed inthe second interior space; wherein the communication system isconfigured to perform read operations whereby the communication systemreceives data from the data storage devices such that a number of itemsdisposed in the first and second interior spaces can be determined; anda control system operably interconnected to the powered lock and thecommunication system, wherein the control system is configured toactuate the control system and generate a first data set correspondingto a number of items in the first interior space upon opening and/orclosing of the first main door, and wherein the control system isconfigured to actuate the communication system and generate a seconddata set corresponding to a number of items in the first interior space,such that a number of items removed from the first interior space can bedetermined by taking a difference between the first and second datasets.
 2. The dispensing and receiving system of claim 1, wherein: thedata storage devices comprise RFID tags, and the communication systemcomprises an RFID reader.
 3. The dispensing and receiving system ofclaim 2, wherein: The RFID reader comprises first and second antennasconfigured to generate and receive electromagnetic energy in the firstand second interior spaces, respectively.
 4. The dispensing andreceiving system of claim 3, wherein: during read operationselectromagnetic energy from the first RFID antenna does not enter thesecond interior space, and the electromagnetic energy from the secondRFID antenna does not enter the first interior space.
 5. The dispensingand receiving system of claim 4, wherein: the controller is configuredto actuate the RFID system to perform a read operation of the firstinterior space only if the access door is in a closed position.
 6. Thedispensing and receiving system of claim 5, wherein: the controller isconfigured to control the powered lock such that the access door cannotbe opened when the RFID system is performing a read operation of thefirst interior space.
 7. The dispensing and receiving system of claim 6,including: a sensor configured to generate a signal from which it can bedetermined if the access door is in the open or closed positions.
 8. Thedispensing and receiving system of claim 7, wherein: the controller isconfigured to cause the RFID system to perform a read operation andgenerate data concerning a number of items in the second interior spaceif the return door has been opened and/or closed.
 9. The dispensing andreceiving system of claim 8, wherein: the powered lock comprises a firstpowered lock, and including: a second powered lock selectively retainingthe return door in the closed position, and wherein: the controller isconfigured to prevent opening of the return door during a read operationof the second interior space.
 10. The dispensing and receiving system ofclaim 1, wherein: the control system is configured to cause thecommunication system to perform a read operation and generate initialdata concerning a number of items disposed in the second interior spaceif the second main door is moved from the closed position to the openposition and/or the second main door is moved from the open position tothe closed position; and the controller is configured to cause thecommunication system to perform a read operation and generate initialdata concerning a number of items disposed in the first interior spaceif the first main door is moved from the closed position to the openposition and/or the second main door is moved from the open position tothe closed position.
 11. The dispensing and receiving system of claim 1,wherein: the wall structure comprises a cabinet configured to besupported on a floor surface; and including: a mobile storage rackhaving a plurality of vertically spaced-apart horizontal supportsurfaces, and a plurality of rollers adapted to movably support thestorage rack on a floor surface; and wherein the enlarged first openingis configured to permit the storage rack to be rolled into the firstinterior space and out of the first interior space when the cabinet ispositioned on a floor surface in an upright position.
 12. The dispensingand receiving system of claim 1, wherein: the wall structure comprises afirst cabinet forming the first interior space, and a second cabinetforming the second interior space, and wherein the first and secondcabinets are spaced-apart to form a gap therebetween.
 13. The dispensingand receiving system of claim 1, including: a user verification devicethat collects data that can be used to identify a user; and wherein: thecontrol system selectively controls the powered lock to unlock theaccess door based, at least in part, on data from the useridentification device.
 14. The dispensing and receiving system of claim13, wherein: the dispensing and receiving system is configured to beused in a health club, and the computer is configured to processinformation concerning specified individuals who are authorized to useat least some of a health club's facilities based on predefinedcriteria; and the computer is programmed to associate any unreturneditems with specified individuals based on predetermined criteria. 15.The dispensing and receiving system of claim 14, wherein: the userverification device comprises a card reader mounted adjacent the firstmain door, and wherein the card reader is configured to read an opticalbarcode on a card.